CAFCL: Haile praises Ethiopian Insurance’s defensive effort against Pyramids FC

Ethiopian Insurance coach Gebremedhin Haile said they put up a good defensive display against the current CAF Champions League holders, Pyramids FC, in the second qualifying round first-leg tie in Cairo.

The Ethiopian champions managed to force a 1-1 draw against the star-studded Pyramids side in Cairo, as Insurance received huge plaudits for their effort.

Haile told On Sport that defensively they were good and expects a tough return leg in Cairo. “We played really well defensively against a very strong side. We took our chances too. We have young players, and to play in the space of four or three days is very tough. Pyramids have good experience. We will try to compete in the second leg, and we will definitely try our best.”

Ethiopian Insurance Coach Credits Draw to Solid Defence

Insurance is staying in Cairo to play the second leg this week. A superb performance by goalie Fasil Gebremikael, who denied Pyramids on many occasions, was admired by many, including his coach. “Our second-choice goalkeeper Fasil did really well. With the absence of Abubaker Nura, it is difficult. But today Gebremikael did well,” said Haile.

Ethiopian Insurance also lost influential midfielder Wogene Gezaghen, who missed the game due to an ankle injury sustained during a goalless draw in the first-round game of the Ethiopian Premier League against Adama Ketema.

Ethiopian Insurance will be hoping to make it past Pyramids FC and enter the group stages on their first attempt.